Title IX Defense

Higher education provides you with the knowledge necessary to succeed in your future endeavors. But stepping onto a college campus also exposes you to unforeseen problems. One of these potential pitfalls involves Title IX.

What is Title IX?

All colleges and universities that receive federal funding must comply with Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972. This provision requires schools to protect students from sexual harassment and discrimination in the higher education environment. As a result, each college and university has created rules and procedures that govern investigations regarding university discipline.

Since your school will not provide you with any sort of legal representation, you should consider calling an attorney if you find yourself caught up in one of these investigations. And at Blair & Kim, our team of experienced defense lawyers are ready to advocate on your behalf to protect your investment in higher education and to secure your future career.

How Does Title IX Impact my Higher Education Experience?

Although Congress intended for Title IX to protect students in their academic pursuits, the impact of this law can severely impact your academic career and future. For example, you could face university disciplinary action for any sexual contact with another person that occurred "without, or exceeded, that person's consent."

You could also face punishment for an act that took place off-campus and that occurred with a person who is not affiliated with your school. In addition to sexual assault, these following situations may trigger an adverse university inquiry:

Sexual Harassment

Rape

Intimate Partner Violence

Hazing

Sex or Gender Discrimination

Sexual Orientation Discrimination

Furthermore, the school officials investigating and assessing these allegations are untrained in the law. Consequently, you could face informal investigative procedures and will not receive the same level of due process and right to counsel guarantees that our justice system provides for criminal defendants. As a result, you could face these following penalties should your university find you responsible for the alleged violation:

Expulsion

Suspension

Academic Probation

Loss of Financial Aid

Loss of Scholarships and Grants

Loss of University Housing

Fines and Community Services

Remedial Classes, Trainings, and Workshops

Transcript records that may prevent you from transferring or being admitted to another higher education institution

Other penalties as ordered by the university conduct officer

Why do I Need an Attorney?

When you are accused of a Title IX violation or any other university misconduct, it is important to remember that you still have rights. However, without an attorney to help you assert those rights, you could find yourself alone against a quasi-judicial university proceeding. For example, your school may compel you to submit a statement, and you may not have access to all the evidence or the ability to confront and cross-examine your accuser.

At Blair & Kim, our office can provide you with the assistance necessary to ensure that you have an effective defense. Our experience and investigative procedures will allow us to properly advocate on your behalf by cross-examining the accuser and any other witnesses. With our knowledge of the law and experience with university disciplinary hearings, we will provide you with assurance that the evidence is properly evaluated, your privacy and confidentiality is protected, and you are thoroughly informed of the misconduct that your school alleged.

We will also provide you with the rules of the proceedings, give you understanding as to how the proceedings work, and inform you of the possible outcomes. And we can negotiate with your university to reduce or dismiss any sanctions that you might face.

The attorneys at Blair & Kim understand that your have made a significant expenditure to pursue higher education. We know that time is of the essence since a university investigation can cause you a great deal of stress from all the uncertainty. And having our office as legal counsel will benefit you down the road should you face any criminal matters related to your school's allegations of misconduct because we are experienced with both types of proceedings.

In sum, the attorneys at Blair & Kim will appear on your behalf, provide you with legal advice, advocate for your future so you can finish your degree and achieve your goals.

Mark C. Blair has no rival in his field in Seattle. A consummate professional. Communication was brief, straightforward, easy to understand, and without a typical condescending tone you can sometimes experience from attorneys on top of their field. Correspondence was timely and always affective. Any in need of criminal defense, should have a conversation with Mr. Blair, and you will quickly see and feel, no further contacts, referrals, or phone calls need be made. The money and time that can be saved by streamlining future contact and collateral damage in the sentencing process will far and away be worth every penny of the fee structure. Thank you very very much Mark Blair. N.Mark French

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Sara Kim of BlairKim is a great attorney. I had never before had representation or dealt with the legal system and she made it very easy for me. She converted the legalese into laymans terms for me and helped me to understand the steps of the process. When I hesitated on certain decisions, Sara gave me the confidence and encouragement to proceed – especially since it was most beneficial to me in the long run. Sara is very straightforward and professional while also being personable and pleasant to deal with. Tamara

★★★★★

Sara Kim was the perfect lawyer for our situation. We were determined not to involve the courts in our divorce. Within the first 30 minutes of consultation, Sara proposed an equitable formula for division of property which we used to negotiate an agreement that felt fair to both of us. Our flat fee arrangement with Sara covered the filing of paperwork which alleviated much pressure for us during a very stressful time. I highly recommend Sara for her flexibility, professionalism, and efficiency. Carrie

We serve the following localities: King County including Auburn, Bellevue, Federal Way, Kent, Redmond, Renton, and Seattle; Pierce County including Gig Harbor, Lakewood, Puyallup, South Hill, Sumner, and Tacoma; and Snohomish County including Bothell, Edmonds, Everett, North Creek, and Snohomish.